Smartphone usage almost doubles

Smartphone usage has nearly doubled over the past year to one in every three people, according to a recent survey.

The proportion of respondents using smartphones came to 35.4 percent in the February poll, compared with 19.5 percent the year before, the findings, compiled by Central Research Services Inc., showed Friday.

Usage was highest among people in their 20s, at 72.5 percent. Among those in their 50s it came to over 30 percent and for people in their 60s to more than 10 percent, the survey said.

Of those in their 50s, 16.0 percent, the highest percentage in any age group, said they would like to start using the gadgets. “The use of smartphones will grow among middle-aged people,” an official from Central Research said.

The survey also found that 9.2 percent of respondents use tablet computers, while 9.6 percent said they would like to use one in the future. The poll, conducted from Feb. 8 to Feb. 17, covered 4,000 men and women aged 20 or older and drew valid answers from 29.8 percent.